A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Mazda Mazda2 vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: the short answer
Pajero Sport has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
Mazda2 starts ZAR 453,990 cheaperMazda2 from ZAR 336,000 · Pajero Sport from ZAR 789,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Maximum Power
Mazda285 kW @ 6000 rpm
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Mazda2148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
Mazda21496 cc
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Mazda216.7 km/l
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Mazda2152 mm
Pajero Sport218 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mazda Mazda2
1.5 Individual Edition Auto FWD
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Mazda2
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Pajero Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda2
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2015
2017
Generation
Current DJ-generation Mazda2, updated for South Africa in 2026
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
The South African range received a feature and styling update for the 2026 model year.
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
B-segment hatchback
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1070 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Length
4085 mm
4825 mm
Width
1695 mm
1815 mm
Height
1504 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
152 mm
218 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
250 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1070 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1527 kg
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
457 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
250 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.7 m
5.6 m
Front Legroom
1063 mm
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
881 mm
880 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
190 mm
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Front Headroom
-
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
-
957 mm
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Automatic
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4N15
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1496 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
15.5:1
Bore
74.5 mm
86 mm
Stroke
85.8 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6000 rpm
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
184 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
79.4 kW/tonne
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
138.3 Nm/tonne
206.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.319
3.692
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
2.566
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transmission Speeds
6
8
LSD Available
-
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
13.4 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.7 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
68 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
No
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
44
68
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
84
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
781 km
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
12.3 km/l
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
No
Brake Override System
-
Yes
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
No
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
No
Parking Sensors
Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
No
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
No
Park Assist
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
No
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
Leather & Cloth
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Front Shoulder Room
1352 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1273 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Leather & Cloth
Leather-appointed
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
Standard
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
7-Inch
8-inch
Touchscreen
7-Inch
8-inch
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Black & Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Current Mazda South Africa paint availability varies by edition and dealer allocation.
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
No
Fog Lamps
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Terrain Modes
Sport
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Ground Clearance Max
152 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
152 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
30 deg
Departure Angle
-
24.2 deg
Wading Depth
-
700 mm
Breakover Angle
-
23.1 deg
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
185/60 R16
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D15
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
16x5-1/2J
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Manual
Electric parking brake
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
417300 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
417300
904990
Starting Price Zar
417300
904990
Spec
Mazda2
Pajero Sport
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 100,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda2 and Pajero Sport comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Mazda2 38 vs Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: Mazda2 64 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda2 84 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: Mazda2 45 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda2 not separately scored vs Pajero Sport not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Mazda2 and Pajero Sport image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Pajero Sport leads by 8 points
Pajero Sport has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
Performance
Pajero Sport +27
Efficiency
Mazda2 +15
Safety
Mazda2 +12
Practicality
Pajero Sport +26
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
Mazda2
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Pajero Sport
leads the specification evidence index with 65 pts
vs 57 pts for Mazda2
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Pajero Sport leads. However, Mazda2 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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